New Movies to Crave: An American, a Machete and a Distant Relationship

By Chris Kavan - 09/03/10 at 10:09 AM CT

I guess Hollywood figured no time like an extended weekend to diversify. The kids may be left out of the picture this time around, but for adults, there's a little something for everyone.

1) If you crave over-the-top action and a definite un-PC film, then Robert Rodriguez's fake-trailer-turned-real-movie Machete is just what you need. Finally, Danny Trejo gets top billing in what looks to be a bullet-strewn affair featuring some of the most unique casting choices (Lindsay Lohan alongside Robert De Niro?) to come along in awhile. While I don't know if this will garner enough audience to take top spot, I know it's the only new movie I'm really excited to see for pretty much the rest of fall.

2) The American - Could be an Oscar contender considering how well-liked George Clooney is amongst audiences. Nothing like an assassin that grows a conscience, or at least a heart. I guess we'll see how many people this thriller can bring in. It looks like it can appeal to men or women, however, it also faces direct competition from:

3) Going the Distance - A straight-up romantic comedy with the always-cute Drew Barrymore and the awkward nice guy Justin Long. These kind of films rely directly on the chemistry between leads, and out of recent efforts (like The Switch, Back-Up Plan, Bounty Hunter) - this one looks to be a bit better fit. We'll see if audiences give this more love than those recent efforts as well. But with good leads, and a strong supporting cast, it may just rise above the dregs.

It's been a slow couple of weeks, but maybe one or all of these films can finally invigorate the box office and give the holiday weekend a boost. For all the information, trailers and tickets, check out the FilmCrave New Movie Releases page.